Should we really begin to contemplate what the Canadiens have already accomplished? Should we detract from the task that lies before them? The Canadiens aren’t celebrating their status in these playoffs, and perhaps their fans should take a page from that book. After all, there will be plenty of time for celebration, whether things end tonight—mid May—or a month from now, in elation or crushing despair.

So let’s take a quick look at what the Canadiens must do to win:

1. No choice: The Habs need to come out of the first period tied, or with a lead. Jacques Martin has changed his reputation with every brilliant adjustment he’s made in these playoffs, but his game is thoroughly planned from minute 1 to minute 60. The first ten minutes of this hockey game is about survival, and about potentially putting the hurt on Pittsburgh’s fans. The next 50 is about playing disciplined, emotionally balanced hockey.

2. Adjustments aren’t solely made after losses, but after wins too. If the Canadiens found a single chink in Pittsburgh’s armor in game 6, it was that if you put physical pressure on the Penguins’ offensive defensemen they can’t move the puck as effectively. There’s no question: puck movement, and “puck management” Dan Bylsma credited his team for in game 4 of this series, is the key to the Penguins’ success.

3. Take away time and space from Malkin! Don’t let him get the puck in the neutral zone, and if he does get it, pick him up at the blueline. If you back up on Malkin and enable him to get his feet moving he’s unstoppable.

4. Continue to frustrate Crosby. The Habs need to do whatever it takes to get Sidney concentrating on what they’re doing to him as opposed to concentrating on what he needs to do. They’ve done a masterful job of this through 6 games, but in the 7th—if it comes down to one shot—well…you watched the Olympics.

5. Get pucks on Marc-Andre Fleury, from every angle. Get pucks on him early, and continue to get pucks on him.

Enjoy Game 7!

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